Survey: Physician benefits remain steady

A survey of 83 healthcare organizations across 34 states shows that core discretionary benefits, such as retirement plans, medical insurance, income protection, time off, and professional development, did not significantly change from 2014 to 2018. However, voluntary benefits and employer-sponsored concierge services rose during that same period, and the number of part-time primary care providers eligible for benefits increased.

The survey, conducted by AMGA Consulting, showed a gradual increase in the number of providers working part time who were eligible for benefits, with the trend most significant among primary care providers. “The healthcare industry is currently experiencing a physician shortage, especially in primary care,” Elizabeth Siemsen, AMGA Consulting director, said in a press release. “The expanded offerings and lowered FTE thresholds we saw in this survey indicate short-staffed organizations are looking to fill employment gaps with part-time physicians and are using employee benefits as a way to attract talent.”

“A competitive benefits package can sometimes mean the difference between hiring a talented physician and losing that physician to a competitor,” Fred Horton, MHA, AMGA Consulting president, said in a statement.

AMGA’s 2018 Provider Benefits Survey examined market norms for provider benefits, and compiled comparative data on retirement plans, medical and dental plans, income protection offerings, time off, and additional benefits such as health and wellness, family support, recruitment, security, and planning resources.